Details
AN ART DECO BLACK ENAMEL MINAUDIÈRE BY VAN CLEEF & ARPELS
The rectangular black enamel minaudière with raised calibré-cut ruby and pavé-set diamond rectangular watch cover to reveal a small watch, the dial signed by Van Cleef & Arpels (winder deficient), the interior with mirror, seven compartments for lipstick, make up and cigarettes with detachable comb, lighter and removeable separate compact, with French assay and maker's marks, circa 1930, 19.0cm. long
Signed La Minaudière de Van Cleef & Arpels, No. 42641
Alfred Van Cleef patented the term 'minaudière' in honour of his wife, Estelle who used to 'minauder' (simper). It eventually replaced the evening bag for the elegant woman. Enamel was too fragile so lacquer was used instead. Only certain minaudières incorporated a miniature watch, the "Domino" model, as in this example.
The rectangular black enamel minaudière with raised calibré-cut ruby and pavé-set diamond rectangular watch cover to reveal a small watch, the dial signed by Van Cleef & Arpels (winder deficient), the interior with mirror, seven compartments for lipstick, make up and cigarettes with detachable comb, lighter and removeable separate compact, with French assay and maker's marks, circa 1930, 19.0cm. long
Signed La Minaudière de Van Cleef & Arpels, No. 42641
Alfred Van Cleef patented the term 'minaudière' in honour of his wife, Estelle who used to 'minauder' (simper). It eventually replaced the evening bag for the elegant woman. Enamel was too fragile so lacquer was used instead. Only certain minaudières incorporated a miniature watch, the "Domino" model, as in this example.